Election 2012: Author of the Year

Title:

Election 2012: Author of the Year

Subject:
Language and Early Literacy Development
Grade:
3 year old
Time Frame:
3 weeks
Essential Question:
Can children discuss why they are drawn to books written by the sameauthor. Can they communicate through words pictures, photographs and voting their preferences for favorite authors, kinds of books, topics,and question the content and author’s choices (critical literacy).
Summary:
Our 3 year old classroom will discover preferences through author studies.
We will hold a class election to determine our "Author of the Year"
This will help children discuss books written or illustrated by the same
authors. Talk about preferences for favorite authors, kinds of books, topics,
and question the content and author’s choices (critical literacy).
Objectives
Michigan State Board of Education March 8, 2005

Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten

Language and Early Literacy Development

1. Early Learning Expectation: Children begin to understand written
language read to them from a variety of meaningful materials, use
reading-like behaviors, and make progress towards becoming
conventional readers.

C. In concepts about reading: [HSCOF-L 2.2.4, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.3.3, 2.3.4]
[GLCE-R.MT.01-.04; R.CS.00.01; R.AT.00.01-.02]
1. U nderstand that ideas can be written and then read by others.
2. U nderstand print and book handling concepts including directionality,
title, etc.
3. U nderstand that people read for many purposes; e.g., enjoyment,
information, to understand directions.
4. U nderstand that printed materials have various forms and functions; e.g.,
signs, labels, notes, letters, types.
5.D evelop an understanding of the roles of authors and illustrators.

  • Children’s attention is drawn to books written or illustrated by the same
authors or familiar illustrators.

  • A dults talk about preferences for favorite authors, kinds of books, topics,
and question the content and author’s choices (critical literacy).

21st Century Skill Objectives does this activity/Lesson include?
    • communication
    • collaboration
    • critical thinking
    • decision making
    • reflection
    • global awareness

Tasks
Introduction
  1. Have students bring in their favorite book
  2. Take a photo of the child with their book
  3. Read each story and have the students rate the book thumbs up or thumbs down
  4. Record the results on our shutter fly page

Election 2012
  1. Present two Author study projects
    1. Dr. Seus
    2. Eric Carle
  2. Develop a 2012 Author of the Year Election
    1. Create Election Posters
      • Post in Hall, classroom
      • Shutterfly
    2. Debates (video tape and post to shutterfly)
      • voting booth for children
      • online voting for family members (absentee ballots)
    3. Count Votes (determine winner)
  3. Create a Bulletin Board and announce our 2012 Author of the year on our Shutterfly account and our Hallway Bulletin board
Personalization/Differentiation
How will you incorporate "student choice" into this project/lesson?How will you challenge strong students?How will you support struggling students?How will you support ESL students?
Real-World Connection
What is the real world application for this project/lesson? 2012 Elections
Why is this work important? relevant?
Who is the audience for this project/lesson? 3 year olds
How will you connect adults (experts, authors, professionals, etc.) from outside of school to the lesson/project?
Shutterfly
  • Debate video recordings
  • Online Voting
How will the work be displayed publicly?

Create Election Posters and display
  • Post in Hall, classroom
  • Post on Shutterfly

    Debates (video tape and post to shutterfly)
      • voting booth for children
      • online voting for family members (absentee ballots)

Announce our 2012 Author of the year on
  • Post in Hall, classroom
  • Post on Shutterfly
Assessment:
How will you assess the students learning? Can students communicate their author preference (words(written or oral), pictures or by show of hands)
How do you know students can "transfer" the learning to new situations? We will first determine preference with thumbs up or thumbs down? Then we will extend through our election process. Will there be an opportunity for constructive "peer" feedback?
Resources:
  • What resources/technology/tools will be needed?
  • Digital Camera, Computer, Shutterfly
Examples:
  • Links to teacher or student examples.
Reflection:
Reflect on the experience with specific details about the instructional outcome, pedagogy, tool effectiveness,
and student engagement. Include any student feedback about the activity.